Lyman man sentenced for child rape

A Lyman man received a 12-year prison sentence followed by 5 years of probation today for repeatedly raping an 11-year-old girl.

Samuel W. Merrell, 43, pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor. Circuit Judge Mark Hayes issued two concurrent 12-year prison sentences and a consecutive 20-year prison sentence that was suspended to 5 years of probation.

The victim first reported the crime to her school teacher who took her to the school resource officer in March 2005. The victim described the sex acts in detail during interviews with police and a forensic examiner with the Children’s Advocacy Center. A doctor also found signs of sexual assault during an exam of the victim.

Merrell confessed to the crimes after he failed a polygraph test administered by an investigator with the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office.

Merrell will serve 85 percent of the 12-year prison sentence before he is eligible for release. He will register as a sex offender. Merrell also faces a 20-year prison sentence if he violates the terms of his probation.